Two Ionia Department of Public Safety officers and a Life EMS Ambulance employee were honored Monday by VFW David A. Huhn Post 12082 and Fowler VFW Post 3733.

Randy Dankenbring, Rod Steel and Richard Church were named Office of the Year, Firefighter of the Year and EMT of the Year, and invited to a banquet and awards ceremony.

IDPS Director Troy Thomas said Dankenbring has served for 12 years and is a hard-working officer who is courteous and respectful to others. In addition, Dankenbring put himself in the line of danger during the 2012 shooting incident on Main Street in Ionia, as he not only used his vehicle as officer cover, but was successful in keeping two victims safe and free from further injury. He also performed CPR on the suspect after the man was shot by a deputy, Thomas added.

"It was an honor to be nominated and awarded the Employee of the Year by my fellow peers. I would like to thank the VFW for the award ceremony and all that they have done. Again, I was deeply honored," said Dankenbring.

Steel has been a member of IDPS for 10 years and is a two-time recipient of the Firefighter of the Year Award. Steel is highly dependable, is quick to respond to emergencies and is the first to volunteer for tough tasks. He also is willing to assist and mentor new officers and stays on task until the job is complete, Thomas added.

"I want to thank the VFW for this award. It is special coming from such an honorable group of veterans," said Steel.

Church has been with Life EMS Ambulance since 2008, worked part-time with Belding EMS and is involved with the Belding Fire Department, according to Jani Millard.

"He's just somebody that we see as an up-and-comer. He's an excellent medic and he's really community oriented," said Millard. "We just felt he's deserving of the recognition."

Church said the award keeps him motivated in the job he loves attending each day.

"I'm elated. I'm very excited that my peers felt I should receive that award," said Church.

David A. Huhn Post Adjutant Phil Patterson said the pair of VFWs honor the local public safety and first responders annually.

"We just want the public to know the VFW appreciates the officers and first responders for what they do every single day," said Patterson. "They are not forgotten for their sacrifices."

The three men received a service pin and a plaque in recognition of the honor.

"I would like to thank Post Commander Phil Patterson and all of the VFW for recognizing our employees and for hosting a dinner and program in their honor," said Thomas.